The new numbers released Monday state that 1 in 4 deaths of children under the age of 5 are due to unhealthy environments.

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Environmental risks such as indoor and outdoor air pollution, second-hand smoke, unsafe water, lack of sanitation and inadequate hygiene are responsible for taking the lives of nearly 2 million children.

"A polluted environment is a deadly one – particularly for young children," says Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. "Their developing organs and immune systems, and smaller bodies and airways, make them especially vulnerable to dirty air and water."

THE TOP 5 CAUSES:

570,000 children die from respiratory infections from indoor and outdoor air pollution (including secondhand smoke.)

361,000 children die from diarrhea as a result to lack of adequate clean water, sanitation and hygiene.

270,000 children die during their first month of life from prematurity which could be prevented by access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene in health facilities and cleaner air.

200,000 children die from unintentional injuries from the environment such as poisoning, falls, and drowning.

There are ongoing and emerging threats to a child's safety and health, including electrical waste, rising temperature and carbon dioxide levels due to climate change, and harmful chemicals from manufactured goods.

"A polluted environment results in a heavy toll on the health of our children," says Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health. "Investing in the removal of environmental risks to health, such as improving water quality or using cleaner fuels, will result in massive health benefits."

WAYS TO REDUCE POLLUTION:

Use clean fuel for heating and cooking in homes

Provide sanitary education and use in schools as well as promoting good nutrition